Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Europa League • AC Milan-Lille OSC Preview: Battle Cry

Milan lead Group H in the Europa League after the first two matches. But the biggest test for us comes in the next two games, when we face Lille OSC, first at the San Siro, then in France. Both teams come into the match unbeaten in their respective leagues, and the results of these two matches will most likely determine the results of the group. So, even with tired players and another big match coming up on Sunday, Milan need to win this match. It is time to field 11 warriors who are willing to fight to the end. This is our battle cry.

The ex-Lille defender is ready for battle


Lille drew 2-2 with Celtic in their Europa League match last week, and also drew 1-1 with Lyon on Sunday, failing to take advantage of Lyon being on ten men for the last 40 minutes of the match. Had they won, they would be tied with PSG for the top of the table in Ligue 1, but this game saw them settle for second place, two points behind the league leaders. For that match, Galtier lined up: Maignan; Celik, Fonte, Botman, Mandava; Araújo, André, Sanches, Bamba; Yilmaz and Ikoné. It appears as of this writing that Galtier will have all of his players available for this match.

Milan have not yet cleared Musacchio to be fit after his surgery and long term recovery. In doubt for this match is Castillejo, but Rebic is back in the squad and subbed on Sunday to create the play in which Ibrahimovic scored his bicycle kick goal. This will be his first Europa League match with Milan that he is eligible and available to play. Barring any more COVID positive tests, Pioli has most of his squad available to choose from.

Also ready for battle

Milan want their unbeaten streak to continue, it is currently at 24 matches. We also need the three points, especially playing at the San Siro. But Lille are a formidable opponent who are also in form and unbeaten. It may take every player giving everything they have to win this match. We will be counting on all of our warriors to take all three points. Battle cry.


This match inspired by Ludo's "Battle Cry"


Europa League Group Stage
AC Milan vs. Lille OSC
Thursday, November 5 • 21:00 CET (3pm EST)
This match is available for streaming LIVE on CBS All Access